Welcome to the Southeast Region Blog!



Welcome to the Southeast Region Blog!


Greetings to all members in the Southeast Region of the American Guild of Organists. I hope that this blog can be an easy way for us to keep in touch. Please contact me for news and events from your chapter that should be included. I'm happy to spread the word! Scroll to the bottom of the page for the regional events calendar.


Best wishes for a wonderful 2015-2016 season.


Laura


Thursday, April 28, 2011

Thinking of our Region IV colleagues

Having seen the news footage of the terrible tornado damage that has crossed the southeast in the past few weeks, I pause each evening to think of our Region IV colleagues who may have suffered damage and/or loss. What a violent spring Mother Nature has given us. Please join me by keeping fellow organists, choir directors, singers, congregation members, and churches in daily prayers. (Phil 4:13)

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Margaret Smith McAlister honored

Margaret Smith McAlister, a member of the Tampa, FL, chapter of the AGO since 1940, was honored during the chapter's annual "Bach Bash" on Tuesday, March 22, 2011. In recognition of Margaret's commitment to young organists, the chapter named their organ scholarship fund in her honor. The first recipient of the "Margaret Smith McAlister Scholarship for Beginning Organists" was Benjamin Parker.

On behalf of the membership of Region IV, Laura Ellis, Councillor, joined in the festivities by presenting Margaret with a "Distinguished Service Award." 

Margaret is in her 65th year as organist at First Presbyterian, Tampa. Not only was she honored during the evening, she performed a Bach chorale prelude as well! Margaret -- thanks for being such an inspiration!



Margaret Smith McAlister, seated

From left to right:
Nancy Callahan, Tampa AGO Dean;
Michael Hunter, Florida District Convener; 
Scholarship recipient Benjamin Parker;
Laura Ellis, Councillor, Region IV

Jackson AGO/Quimby Competition

The Jackson, Mississippi, Chapter held its AGO/Quimby RCYO Competition on Saturday, March 26th. Congratulations to winner David Harrison (pictured)! David will travel to Greensboro this June to compete in the regional competition. Special thanks to competition coordinator, Donald Messer, and judges Dr. John Paul (St. Andrew's Cathedral, Jackson), Michael Beattie (Chapel of the Cross, Madison, MS) and BIlly Trotter, Northminster Baptist Church, Jackson). 

   

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Revered Composer Robert J. Powell to Present Recital at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Tryon, NC

Holy Cross Episcopal Church is honored to present Robert J. Powell, organist and composer, in a lecture recital on Sunday, May 15, 2011, at 5:00 p.m..
 
Having composed over 300 works for chorus, solo, organ, handbells, and instrumental ensembles, Robert Powell is one of the most well known and respected of American church music composers today. A member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, he has received the Standard Music Award from ASCAP for the past 35 years.
 
In addition to two of his own compositions, Powell's program will include works by J. S. Bach, Herbert Howells, Buxtehude, Karg-Elert, and others. Powell will also share with the audience a glimpse of what inspires the writing of a musical composition and how the musical composition process evolves.
 
Powell will perform on Holy Cross's 43 rank organ, rebuilt by The John Dower Company in 1994-1995. This recital, free and open to the public, is made possible by the William E. Seifert Memorial Organ Recital Fund. Holy Cross Episcopal Church is located at 150 Melrose Avenue, Tryon, NC 28782. For more information, please call Susie Mahnke at 864-982-1014. 

Friday, April 1, 2011

Charlotte AGO/Quimby Competition

The Charlotte, North Carolina Chapter held its AGO/Quimby RCYO Competition on Saturday, March 26th.  The single competitor, Gregory Zelek, from Coral Gables, Florida, and a freshman at The Juilliard School, played brilliantly!  He was awarded the chapter’s first prize of $350 plus expenses to the Region IV Convention in Greensboro, NC, this summer.  Pictured are the jurors with Mr. Zelek (from left to right):  Dr. Joby Bell, Appalachian State University; Gregory Zelek, competitor; Jane Arant, Minister of Music at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Charlotte; Dr. Timothy Olsen, North Carolina School  of the Arts. (submitted by Dr. Florence Jowers)